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Plan your visit to Mount Vesuvius, Italy's most notorious volcano

NaplesMount Vesuvius Visiting Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius | Visitor's info at a glance

Crater of Mount Vesuvius

How much does a Mount Vesuvius ticket cost?

Mount Vesuvius tickets start from €22 onwards.

How many visitors does Mount Vesuvius get per year?

Mount Vesuvius attracts around 1 million visitors every year.

How many visitors are allowed to see Mount Vesuvius in a day?

  • July and August: 3,240
  • April, May, June, and September: 2,880
  • March and October: 2,520
  • January, February, November, and December: 2,160



Mount Vesuvius Tours

Mount Vesuvius Skip-the-Line Tickets
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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from
€16.90
From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius Skip-the-Line Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
Audio guide
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From Naples: Mount Vesuvius Skip-the-Line Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
Audio guide
Transfers included
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From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius & Herculaneum or Pompeii Day Trip
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
5 hr. - 8 hr.
Transfers included
More details

What are Mount Vesuvius opening hours?

Hiking trail on Mount Vesuvius

Best time to visit Mount Vesuvius

High season Vs low season: The peak season for visiting Mount Vesuvius is typically between June and August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it a popular time for tourists to visit the volcano. However, this also means that the site is likely to be more crowded, and you may experience longer wait times and higher prices.

Weekday Vs weekend: Visiting on a weekday is generally recommended as it tends to be less crowded than on weekends. If you do visit on a weekend, aim to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds that tend to arrive in the afternoon.

Where is Mount Vesuvius located?

Getting to Mount Vesuvius

passengers on the bus

By Public Transport

By bus: From Naples, you can take the EAV bus from the Naples Central Station, which will take you directly to the entrance of Mount Vesuvius. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can also take the EAV bus from the Circumvesuviana Station in Naples, which will take you to the same destination.

By train: From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train from the Naples Central Station to the Ercolano Scavi Station, which is the closest station to Mount Vesuvius. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the entrance of Mount Vesuvius.

person driving car

By car

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Naples or other nearby cities and follow the signs to Mount Vesuvius. Please note that there is a parking fee at the entrance of Mount Vesuvius.

  • The official parking lot is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. It is a large, unstaffed lot that costs EUR 5 for all day. Shuttles to the ticket office depart from here, and cost EUR 2 round trip
  • Parking along the road is also possible. There are a few small parking areas along the road leading up to the volcano, but these tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Know before you go to Mount Vesuvius

Entrances
Facilities
Restrictions
Rules
Safety tips
Shop
Dine
Stay
entrance to Mount Vesuvius

Access to the crater is exclusively available through two designated gates: the automated gate located at Quota 1000 Square in Ercolano, and the gate at Quota 1,050 Square in Ottaviano.

Restroom
  • Visitor center
  • Restrooms
  • Gift shop.
passengers on shuttle bus
  • Climbing Vesuvius may not be suitable for children due to safety risks. The trail is slippery with loose volcanic gravel, and the only barrier is a rope that kids could easily slip under. If you bring children, keep them close at all times.
  • The path to the summit is not wheelchair accessible. There are a few steep steps and uneven surfaces, making it difficult for wheelchair users to get around. There is a shuttle bus that can take visitors up to the ticket office, but it is not wheelchair accessible. There is also a walkway that leads up to the ticket office, but it is not wheelchair friendly.
  • While elderly people do reach the crater of Mount Vesuvius, consider their fitness and health before bringing them along, as the climb can be challenging.
rules and regulations

To ensure the safety of visitors, there are several rules and regulations that must be followed when visiting Mount Vesuvius, including:

  • Do not climb into the crater. The crater is very dangerous, and there is a risk of falling rocks or fumes.
  • Do not smoke or light fire when you are hiking the trails of Mount Vesuvius.
  • Each group is required to stay strictly to the right side of the pathway, whether moving uphill or downhill.
  • Guides must stay in constant communication to ensure that uphill and downhill groups do not meet near narrow passages or ramps. If they do, the uphill group has priority over the downhill group.
  • The hike on the trail must always be completed within one hour of the last permitted entry to the crater.
  • The maximum capacity for hikers is limited to 360 individuals per hour. Therefore, access to the trail is allowed for up to 60 people every 10 minutes, divided into three groups of 20 participants each.
  • There are many dangerous areas on the volcano, and it is important to stay on the trails to avoid getting lost or injured.
  • In the Piazzale, the start of the nature trail, parking is not allowed, and there are no public toilets.
  • For safety and environmental protection, access to the route along the summit on the northern and eastern sides of the volcanic cone is strictly prohibited. Only individuals with explicit authorization from the Park Authority may enter these areas.
  • Ambulances and other rescue vehicles are located on the left side of the square where the hike begins.
  • If you require any assistance, you can always reach out to the info point for help: +39 081 2395653.
  • The trail is well-maintained but has loose volcanic ash and gravel, which can make it slippery. It's recommended to wear proper hiking shoes with good traction.
  • It's crucial to bring enough water, wear suitable footwear, and dress in layers.
gift shop

The gift shop at Mount Vesuvius offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, and volcanic rocks.

food
  • Ristorante Douce Atmosphere: 4.3 km away, this restaurant offers a refined menu of Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients in a sophisticated and elegant setting.
  • Hotel Il Sentiero: 9 km away, Hotel Il Sentiero features hearty traditional Italian dishes in a cozy, rustic environment with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Ristorante Vesum: 5.3 km away, Ristorante Vesum Serves classic Neapolitan fare in a charming, family-friendly atmosphere, blending casual comfort with delicious, authentic flavors.
  • Kona: Kona specializes in creative Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist, offering a relaxed and stylish ambiance perfect for a laid-back dining experience. It's just 6.4 km away.

Budget:

Brandito's (17 km away), Hotel Palma (27 km away)

Mid-range:

Hotel Il Sentiero (9 km away)

Luxury:

Hotel Villa signorini (13.9 km away)

Mount Vesuvius crater walk

Exploring Mount Vesuvius offers a variety of trails tailored to different interests and abilities. Visitors can choose from six circular nature trails (numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8), an educational trail (number 9), a panoramic path (number 6), and an agricultural path (number 7), all leading to the crater. Highlights include the dramatic Valley of Hell, the scenic Mt. Somma, the impressive River of Lava, and the historic Matrone Road. The hike is generally rated as easy to moderate, thanks to its steep but manageable terrain. While most people in good physical condition, including children and older adults, will find it accessible, those unfamiliar with hiking or physical exertion might find it more challenging.

Know more about the different routes to the crater

Frequently asked questions on Mount Vesuvius

How long should I plan to spend exploring Mount Vesuvius?

Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring Mount Vesuvius. This includes time for hiking to the crater, enjoying the views, and taking photos. If you want to spend more time in the area or explore nearby attractions, you might want to allocate additional time.

When is the best time to visit Mount Vesuvius?

The best time to visit Mount Vesuvius is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.

Is it safe to visit Mount Vesuvius?

While Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano, it is closely monitored by authorities and is considered safe for visitors. However, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and stay on the designated trail.

Can you climb Mount Vesuvius?

Yes, you can climb Mount Vesuvius. There is a trail that leads up to the crater, which is open to visitors.

How difficult is the climb up Mount Vesuvius?

The climb up Mount Vesuvius is not too difficult, but it can be steep in some places. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and there are rest areas along the way.

How long does it take to climb Mount Vesuvius?

It takes around 30-40 minutes to climb Mount Vesuvius, depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions.

What should I wear to climb Mount Vesuvius?

It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as well as light layers of clothing as it can get windy at the summit. You may also want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

What other attractions can I visit near Mount Vesuvius?

Besides Mount Vesuvius itself, you can visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried by the eruption of 79 AD. The nearby city of Naples also offers rich cultural experiences, including museums, historic sites, and vibrant markets.